Fellow Dental Hygienists? or anyone wanting to make me feel better

[peterpanpixiedust]

So, I've been working at my job for almost 2 years. I've hated it from the beginning, but need the money, as all of us do. Well, one of the major reason's I've stayed is because the Dr. and his wife (who does the accounting) constantly state that I am their best hygienist and they love when I clean their teeth. I love what I do and give my all to these patients. The downside is that one of their assistants is constantly up my butt about horribly stupid issues (the blinds broke, I tripped over a patients purse, my patient shows up EARLY and I'm still working on my current patient). She is driving me nuts and making it hard to focus on the important things (charting detail) because I feel like I need to rush now. She is constantly telling me how the doctor doesn't want to pay me to sit around. I don't know what she's talking about, as I do my job, and help out at the front desk, call patients, and help in the sterilization room! I feel like the doctor should tell me this and not her. Well.... a few days ago after getting rid of their 4TH!!! receptionist, they decided to revamp the office and make that girl our boss!!!! Now, she's on this kick and completely let the title get to her head. To make matters worse, the economy sucks (duh!) and patients are dwindling. But I feel like they are scapegoating me and telling me that it "must" be my fault. No proof, but the doctor said, "I know it isn't me." Does it have to be anyone's fault?!?! Can't they just accept that people who are laid off don't feel like paying 2-3 hundred for a cleaning/exam, only to be told they have cavities? How come when they were full of patients, I had an awesome review, but now that we are slow, I must be scaring the patients away?? Oh, and the doctor is concerned that I haven't brought new patients in yet either. He thinks people should be coming in because they've heard good things about their hygienist! Who seriously has stepped into a dental office and said, I want to be a patient here because I have heard about the hygienist? I am incredibly bummed, and have no one to talk to because I am the only hygienist in my office. I just want to quit, but again, money is a factor. Please help with any advice!

[Cassie]

I'm not a hygienist but I'm sorry to hear you're having issues at work. Have you thought about looking for another job elsewhere? I'm not sure I could handle working in such a negative atmosphere. That's not fair they're putting all the blame on you. I hope you can find something else or that things get better for you here!

[Thomasjsgirl]

I'm not a hygienist either, but the issues you're having are universal and we can all feel your pain. Believe it or not, you've answered your own questions -- you ARE being made out as the scapegoat. Obviously the dentist is looking for someone to blame and guess what, you're it! It's good to know that you otherwise love your job, which bodes well for you because all you have to do is be patient and look for another one. I know the economy in the States is horrible right now, but regardless, people leave jobs for various reasons (moving, mat leave, etc.) so something will come up. Get your resume out there and hook up with some head hunters, preferably those that specialise in your field. In the meantime, as hard as it may be, don't burn your bridges because you may need the stupid dentist as a reference some day. Good luck and keep your chin up.

[svetayasofiya]

I agree with the other girls, I would definitely look for a new job. Life is tooooo short to be unhappy 8 hrs a day.

I am not a hygeniest but my dad is a dentist, my aunt is his assistant/office mgr, and my mom works there too! (In BC) lol My other aunt is a dental assistant in Edmonton. I have worked for my dad before and working in a dental office is such small and an intimate environment, if you don't get along with someone it can make for such a horrible experience. You definitely need to get out.

[wendyjd]

Hey Chris, not a hygenist either but agree with everyone else, look around for a new job. Any chance you could look around for any other training or anything to set yourself above others looking for positions.

 

Good luck and I hopeyou have a better day.

[peterpanpixiedust]

Well, I officially gave my notice. I gave them a month, they wanted a month and a half. I said sure, and then the next day (last wednesday) they tell me don't come in for today because they have a working interview. So much for the month and a half I was counting on those paychecks, but I know in the long run it will be better for me. In fact, right before I gave notice, I needed to go to the hospital and I was asked to go after my last patient because they needed the money (which was 4 hours after I asked to go). They couldn't let me leave for an emergency (I have digestive issues and was passing blood!!!) sorry for the graphics, just needed somewhere to vent.

 

So I'm scared about the precarious financial situation I put myself in, but I had to leave anyway.... Student teaching starts in a month and I'm excited! Just wish I had a babysitting job or something while I'm teaching to help with the bills. Anyone need a sitter in the Chicagoland area?

[peterpanpixiedust]

On the bright side, now that I have a new symptom, maybe I can figure out what is wrong with me. I have had digestive problems for years. About 3 years ago I was overweight and in a lot of pain. Had tons of tests to no avail. Then went on some medication that was supposed to help my intestines restore peristalis (that snaking motion that moves food along). And and I got better, but still pain. Now, I am underweight and still have discomfort (but not pain at least). However, when I finally got to the hospital with this new symptom (the blood), I had waited so long (thanks to my work) that it had stopped and the ER couldn't find anything (but still charged me $500). Now I have to schedule a colonoscopy and hopefully I can finally figure this out, but too bad I have no $$ now to schedule. I guessed it would hard, but no one told me life was going to be this frustrating.

[JennandMike08]

Sorry you're going through all of this at once. I hope things work out for the best. All in all you probably did what was best for you and you probably didn't needed the added stress of that job on top of the health issues.

[teshy1]

Good for you for getting out of that toxic work environment! I hope that things work out for you. Do you have people that will act as references for you and can vouch for your awesome work as a hygienist?

Best of luck!

[wendyjd]

Congrats on giving notice, it really sucks that they asked you to take leave so they could do a "working" interview. I think you'll be much better off in the long run out of that office.

Regarding your health problems, will your insurance continue/can you get COBRA coverage?? You need to make sure to take care of yourself, even if finances are tight. If you aren't healthy, the rest doesn't matter. I hope you are able to determine the cause and treat it. Sending positive thoughts your way!!